You became strong, but this is as far you will go, Nozel!

How could I have said something so horrible to my own son?

Who would have thought I would have to face you like this?

It shouldn't have come to this, I'm a mother, fighting against my children was something I should never have done!

Oh, so you can actually get stronger, Nozel. Show me what you can do with your new spell!

No. No! NO! What was I doing? This is not how it is supposed to be!

Come, don't be so rebellious, we can be together again once everything is pure, we can be a true family like we were always meant to be.

I'm such a horrible mother!

Nozel, Nebra, Solid, Noelle… You all became so much stronger and not just in your magic… I hurt you so much in this war… forgive me… I love you all so much, my silver hatchlings…

Nozel was sweating when he woke up in a panic. It wasn't like he never had nightmares involving his mother before. But those scenes were new. And they hurt just as much as that time when Acier Silva died for the first time.

Moments were mixed, moments of the two fights he and his siblings had to fight their beloved mother, controlled by Lucius Zogratis.

And moments when Acier Silva came back to her senses, regretting her actions and dying for a second time in his arms.

It was a victory, but Nozel didn't felt that way at all. Not after he had to fight his mother, not after he had to see her die for a second time.

He thought that he was doing better, that his siblings were doing better. Nebra and even Solid started to make amends with Noelle, who still wanted to have all three of them in her life, he was closer to his baby sister.

But then, Lucius Zogratis and the paladins happened… One of them their own mother…

Was it really better? Wasn't this the proof that he didn't paid enough for his past mistakes, that he will never pay enough? Was his mother really finally resting in peace or did she became one of those ghosts with too many regrets, haunting the living?

Oh, please not, his mother suffered enough already in the afterlife, she deserved to finally reach Paradise, whatever the church meant by that.

But everything hurt so much still. He couldn't even show it to Nebra, Solid and Noelle, they were hurt too and his brother even got a fever from the battle. The words his mother said when she was under Lucius' control hurt, as there might be some truth within them.

But strangely enough, it wasn't those words Paladin Acier said at the start that were more painful. No, what truly pierced Nozels heart was that his dear mother regretted those words immediately when she came back to her senses, when the control of Lucius Zogratis upon her faded away. To see her regretting what she said to him and his siblings, her pain, his damned inability to comfort his mother, her apologies… It was too much.

She wasn't at fault, she was brought temporarily back to life by an evil mastermind when she was supposed to finally rest in peace. Of course she didn't meant those words, even though they had to be true. Why else would they have hurt so much?

Nozel knew that it was his fault. He made to many mistakes since his mother died due to Megiculas curse. He hurt his siblings, especially Noelle, he didn't became stronger like he was supposed to until recently, he wasn't a good person…

He fell back on the mattress, pressing a hand on his mouth. Now he felt like crying again. He cried so much those last few days, more than he did for eighteen years since his mother died. Who was the idiot who claimed one day that crying felt liberating? It wasn't liberating to him, it only made him feel even worse each time.

Nozel felt Vanessa move a bit right next to him. He turned his head towards and was relieved that she was still peacefully sleeping.

Her rosewood coloured hair was all over his pillow, the blanket was just covering her from down her waist, one arm lied over her belly while the other looked like it was reaching for him.

Had Vanessa been holding him before he woke up from the nightmare?

It wouldn't be the first time…

Nozel sighed deeply. He still couldn't quite understand how he ended up having some kind of affair with one of Noelles squadmates of all people. And affair wasn't even a word he liked to use to describe what he had with Vanessa.

But what else would it be? He couldn't really find a proper description for it and sadly, affair was the closest word to define it. At least on a superficial level.

It wasn't like that Nozel didn't enjoy Vanessas company. In fact, those meetings they had for the past year had something soothing for his soul. He was opening up a bit to her, more than he did with anyone else after his mother died. They had good talks, somehow, despite their differences. It was almost like he got a friend.

Almost… Because you didn't sleep with a friend. And the worst was, those embraces with Vanessa were actually wonderful. This wasn't good. He didn't deserve that kindness she was giving him. And Vanessa was a wonderful woman who deserved so much better than this, a fleeting affair.

It wasn't quite friendship and it couldn't be love. It just couldn't. It wouldn't work. Vanessa had her heart settled on someone else who won't love her back and he… Well, to put it very simple, he wasn't a good person. Nozel was well aware of that for years.

It was impossible to be love. It was just some fleeting hours of lust between kind meetings acting as friends. Nothing else. Nozel knew that.

Then why does it hurt?

Like always, Nozel ignored this question as much as he could. Why bother with questions that don't have any answer?

Not to mention that he shouldn't forget his siblings. Nozel knew from experience that nobles and a lot royals even won't let go of their power and ambition, despite every drama that came over the Clover Kingdom. Even Lucius Zogratis certainly won't change their mind.

To assure their freedom, he had to sacrifice himself into an arranged wedding. One political alliance with a noble house would be enough for the Silvas. So, Nebra, Solid and Noelle would be able to choose who they wanted to spent the rest of their lives with.

But as soon as he accepted a political alliance, Nozel also knew that things needed to be stopped with Vanessa. Because he couldn't commit adultery, he refused to end up like his father!

Hopefully, this day will never come…

Oh no, why was he thinking that! He knew his duty, he knew it for like eighteen years! Why was he losing his will, his sense of duty more often?

Was it because of Vanessa, of how he was able to open up with her? Was it because he had to fight his mother and seeing her die a second time that he struggled to keep his decisions up? Or was it because he couldn't really take it anymore after eighteen years?

It was a mistake to let you take over house Silva. You're fifteen, stop acting like a child.

No one ever told him that directly, but Nozel wasn't an idiot. Back then, so many nobles thought that and royals too. Was it true? It has to be, given all of his mistakes…

Mother… Vanessa…

Nozel fell back on his pillow, putting an arm over his eyes, groaning his frustration and holding back his tears. Nothing he was thinking right now seems to make sense, he hated to be so contradictory.

He remembered all the wonderful memories of his mother. He could never forget all this time spent with Vanessa, be it their lustful embraces or just talking about everything and nothing. He was practically holding on to them, but they pierced his heart still.

Was it better if he could forget them? So that he wouldn't be hurt anymore?

But forgetting didn't resolved anything, it never did. And why should he wish to not be in pain anymore when it was something he deserved? He was such a selfish person. He should think about others instead of himself. And forgetting his mother, forgetting someone truly kind like Vanessa? Never!

Nozel felt so lost.

"Handsome?"

He quickly turned towards his companion again. Vanessa was now looking at him, her eyes full of confusion and compassion.

Only then Nozel realized that the tears he tried to hold back got the better of him and were now flowing down his cheeks. Had he even really tried in the first place?

"Nightmare?"

"My mother…"

"I understand…"

For some reason Nozel couldn't quite explain, he knew that Vanessa could. Even though he opened up to her, so far he was never able to open completely. Mostly out of shame than anything.

Especially about the details of his mother's curse and his own, how it destroyed him and how it lead to his mistakes… especially concerning Noelle. Vanessa cared so much for Noelle, so much that Nozel was surprised that she hadn't tried to make him pay for his sister's suffering. It would have been logical.

Instead, after a rather bumpy first meeting and quick circumstances that brought them into their first sensual embrace, they came to know each other and Vanessa had been kind to him. Just kind, just caring, without any hidden grudges.

She was certainly the most kind hearted person he knew, maybe this was why Nozel knew that Vanessa could understand. But his own guilt held him back.

That and the fact that he suspected Vanessa to also have something of her past that pained her, that made her suffer. She didn't talk a lot about the Witches Forest, just like Dorothy. But Vanessa had more sadness in her eyes when she mentioned that place. Nozel wished to know more, so that he could maybe help her, like she did with him. But he knew first-hand how difficult it was to talk about a shattered past and he didn't want to make her remember some painful memories.

She was always so full of joy, flirty and teasing him, most of the time uncaring about past and future, only living in the present. It was difficult to believe that Vanessa had some tragic past. Nozel admired her to have been so positive in life, whatever happened to her before. On that part, she was stronger than him…

And there it was again, the guilt and the shame…

He heard Vanessa sigh and the next moment, her arms were around him. Nozel couldn't help but let his head rest on her shoulder.

"Shh, it's okay to cry…"

"No one told me that back then…"

"Someone should have done it. You were a grieving teenager."

Maybe? Nozel didn't know. Was it really right to blame some unknown people for something that was his own responsibility? Even though he was a grieving teenager back then, like Vanessa said.

Even though all the adults back then already blamed him for not being able to hold house Silva as a proper head should. At least, that is how he remembered it and his memory about his ascension as Head of house Silva was a bit blurry. Haven't there be adults who tried to comfort him instead of judging him from the start?

Nozel sighed while letting his tears now fall on Vanessas silky shoulder. Why even think about that? It had been years, blaming others never brought anything and his mistakes will never disappear. Never…

"I should have been stronger than that… the first time facing the paladin of my mother."

"But you were strong, you still fought back despite your trauma and the second time, you even got a new spell! No one will blame you that facing your own mother was horrible and painful to you and your siblings. Noelle also didn't felt well."

"But she was better at facing her from the start."

"That is because she doesn't have any memories of her, unlike you and your other siblings. But it was still hard for her, at least from what she told me. And Noelle would never blame you for having difficulties facing your mother. Also, don't forget that despite everything, Noelle hadn't been able to defeat her at the start. All four of you defeated her during the second battle. It was teamwork, all four of you, not Noelle alone."

Vanessa wasn't wrong about that. Of course she hasn't witnessed the second fight herself, but Nozel wasn't surprised that Noelle told her squadmate about it. It had been teamwork, even though Noelle had been the first one to pull herself together. That was a fact. Okay, it was true, she didn't had any memories of Acier like Nebra, Solid and himself, which was maybe helpful to pull herself together better.

Noelle hadn't blamed them for being unable to face their mother turned paladin immediately. She had told him that and Nozel had been grateful that his dear little sister tried to comfort him.

But it didn't change the fact that he should have been stronger than that.

As for the new spell… Normally Nozel would have been proud to have unlocked a new spell, but the price had been too high to pay in his eyes. Even though it had allowed him to fight alongside Fuegoleon in Spirit Dive and Yami in a strange Darkness Armour during the true final teamwork fight against Lucius.

Not to mention that the name of his armour spell didn't make any sense to him. Why was it called Knight of Fate?

Nothing in his mercury magic had anything to do with Fate, so why was this armour called like that? It has eagle wings, even a helmet with smaller eagle wings, it actually fit his usual aesthetic. Even the knight in the name wasn't out of place. So, of all things, why was it called Knight of Fate and not Eagle or Silver or anything like his other spells?

Vanessa stroked through his hair, almost like his mother used to do when he was a small child and upset about something. But only almost.

Wasn't it strange, though, that the only person he knew who had a spell related to Fate was the woman he had a strange kind of affair with for more than one year already?

Out of all people…

He didn't know what he should think of it.

"I can practically hear it, you know."

"What do you mean?"

"The gears in your head, you're overthinking again. That's so you… Stop it, at least for tonight. You need to rest, to face tomorrow and more."

"I don't know if I can ever find rest anymore…"

He heard Vanessa sigh and for some reason, Nozel started to feel some panic. Was she upset about him? What if she decided to cut ties with him completely? Oh, he could understand why she would do that. But the mere thought of not spending time with Vanessa anymore, of not having her in his life altogether, just didn't sit well with him.

What a selfish man he was…

"All I know is that you are so terribly harsh on yourself. And it's painful to see you like this. You need to rest. If you allow me, I can help you find it. And just so you know, you better say yes, no one can say no to a witch."

She didn't wait for him to reply. Softly but firmly, Vanessa lead him so that he was now lying on his back, his eyes looking up, directly in her eyes. She had the most beautiful eyes Nozel ever saw. Like the most shining amethysts, but depending on her mood and the current light, he could swear that the shade changed completely, just like with a kaleidoscope.

Ever since he looked into Vanessas eyes for the first time, Nozel wished he could spent his whole life diving into them, exploring each new shade, each new colour.

"I love your eyes."

"Thank you, handsome."

Wait a minute, did he just said that out loud? Did he lost his mind? A compliment shouldn't be blurted out like that, completely out of the blue! It wasn't proper at all!

But to Nozels surprise, Vanessa didn't seem offended by his lack of manners. On the contrary, she was actually a bit flustered and had a soft smile on her lips.

"May, thank you, your eagle majesty. I love when people say genuine compliments out of the blue. I love your eyes too. That metallic shade of purple or rather lilac is so unique, I never saw anyone with a colour like this before."

She loved his eye colour? Nozel didn't expected that. Not that he hated it, on the contrary. His eye colour meant a lot to him, because it was the very same as the eyes of his mother. But for the world, it was just a cold lilac, a bit pale in comparison to Nebras and Noelles bright magenta eyes or Solids summer sky shade.

Apparently, not to Vanessa. And Nozel could tell that she didn't said that just to make him better, that she truly meant it.

Slowly, Nozel raised one of his hands to delicately cup Vanessas face with it. She seemed a bit taken aback by his gesture, but she still put her own hand on his. The touch just felt like caress of a butterfly's wing, but still overwhelming and Nozel wondered again how this complicated relationship could have some pure instances like that.

Vanessa smiled at him, before she leaned down and put her lips on his. It was too much for Nozel to resist, so he gave in to the kiss. It was just soft, but somehow more fiery than all the passionate, sensual kisses they had shared since almost one year and a half.

And here they lied, hugging each other as if it was the only thing stopping them from falling apart, their lips touching the other a caress from a butterfly.

Nozel couldn't understand what exactly was between Vanessa and himself. All he knew that he was too weak to let her go. Which wasn't good in his position and he wasn't talking about his royal status.

If only he could have been a good man…

Yami groaned when he landed in front of the Black Bulls Hideout. What a bother to fly with a broom, but Finral hadn't been there of course when he left Prickly Queen and a broom was still better than nothing. He had to give it to his second homeland, that idea to make brooms fly and to use them as a transport, especially for those with a low magic pool, wasn't that bad at all. He couldn't remember Hino having that.

Well, maybe his old homeland has it now or at least something similar. Or maybe not. He remembered how fascinated Ryu had been when he saw a few people flying on brooms yesterday.

Thinking about his old friend actually make him stop right on the stop instead of entering in the Hideout immediately. Ryu was here, in fucking Clover, within the Black Bulls Hideout. And with him, his baby sister.

Ichika…

Okay, technically she wasn't a baby anymore. But Yami had such a damn difficult time realizing the fact that his little sister was now an adult. Last time he had seen her, she had been only six years old…

And that fact was the only peaceful one when he thought about last time he had seen Ichika.

That wasn't what he and Ryu had planned back then. But to be fair, it hadn't been a perfect plan in the first place, they were just thirteen years old back then, shocked by the massacre and didn't had much time to think this through, especially for the future.

To be fair, when he had left Hino, Yami had been convinced that he would never come back, that he would never see Ryu and Ichika again. So, the action to take if Ichika would find out the truth had only been a potential problem for future Yami.

Only that it probably wasn't a potential problem anymore and charging future Yami with the uneasy task wasn't possible this time. Damn, this was actually the first time in his life that Yami couldn't brush of a bother to his future self and now he was almost to the point to blame past Yami for not having taking responsibility like he should have.

Almost. Because the situation with Ichika had been a complex situation for past Yami, who was only thirteen back then. Too young to even have a grimoire. Or a roll, like it was the case in Hino.

Ryu had told him that as the shogun – that bastard made it, no one was better to lead Hino – he will have to stay in Clover for a while, to help since they became allies and also to make some bonding between the two countries. Which wasn't a bad idea, even though Yami wasn't good in politics. Even back in Hino, it was never something he liked while Ryu had studied it practically from the moment he learned to read.

Too bad Julius was no more, he and Ryu would have got along so well. But the best Wizard King they ever had died alongside Lucius Zogratis, since those two souls belonged to the same body. Yami didn't know how the fuck this was possible, but after everything they went through, why even questioned it? All he knew was that the souls of Julius and Lucius had somehow had their fight in their common mind while the rest had to fight Lucius and his final paladins or clones outside. Heck, even paladins of the Dark Triad had to be faced! At least, Dante and Vanica, for some reason paladin Zenon had been able to go against Lucius' will and joined their side before he definitely died.

That had been strange, obviously.

But to come back to Ryu, sadly that gaudy king still survived the war and Yami knew from experience that this crowned wannabe won't be open to accept an alliance with a foreign country. Hopefully his captain colleagues won't be like that, but even though Yami would never admit it out loud, the other captains would certainly take Ryus offering hand. Hard Nose had the heart in the right place and even though Braids had a stick up his ass, at least respect wasn't a foreign word for him.

Ryu also mentioned that he would have three of the Ryuzen stay with him. Yami had no clue who the Ryuzen were, but he guessed that his old friend meant the other warriors that came to help after Ichika.

That would be something. After years of being the only one from Hino in Clover and practically feeling home in this country, now there were four other people from his old homeland.

And one of them was his own little sister.

He wondered if Prickly Queen would be happy to meet them. Especially Ichika.

Damn, Prickly Queen! Hopefully she was feeling better now!

Yami was at her side for the whole night, only left her when her vice-captain, Risacca or Ithaca or whatever her name was, came to bring her back to the base of the Blue Roses. Charlotte had been calmer when she thanked him for keeping her company and told him goodbye.

He really hoped that she was doing fine now. Well, as fine as you could be after witnessing one of your knights passing away on your watch. He just couldn't had let her alone when she definitely needed a shoulder to cry on. Even worse, her girlie seemed to have died with a smile on her lips. Okay, good to know that she was able to find some peace within her final moments, but geez, how harder must it had been for Charlotte?

A groan escaped his lips. Well, at this point, they never got the occasion to talk about their tea and when… and many other things. Like the fact that she loved him, damn!

Yami knew that right now, the moments weren't ideal to talk about something like that, during the battles and now the kingdom needed help to be rebuilt. Not to mention that depending of the amount of work done, it will either take days or weeks before a café or at least a pub would be open again.

But he wanted to talk so fucking much to her! He was desperate to know if she truly loved him because… because… because of what exactly?

Damn, as if the world wasn't enough in shambles, now he had to deal with some kind of inner issues instead. Couldn't the kingdom wait a bit until he and even more Prickly Queen had their tea and their talk?

And this time he just couldn't wave it away and push it future Yamis back!

Just in this moment, Ryu came out of the Hideout, followed by Ichika, a buff man with a scar and a katana, as well as a… blonde, tan girl? She didn't look like she came from Hino and this was so fucking weird. Did the same happen to her like with him, only the other way around? Was she from another country and got shipwrecked in Hino?

Well, whatever, not that it was his problem. His problem was his sister all in black, who didn't quite wanted to look at him. Gosh, he had no idea what to say to her!

"Hello, old friend. How is yer colleague doing?"

"As good as someone can when someone loses a person said someone cared about. She was able to calm down, but losing one of her subordinates was harsh."

"I can imagine that. My condolences for her loss. She certainly must have cared a lot for that person."

"She's a very caring captain, that's for sure. Ya'll met her later I guess, for the next meeting of us squad captains. As well as all the others. Speaking of, are those yer people that will stay with you as well?"

"Yeah, originally I only wanted two, because I can't let Hino without protection, of course. But Komari here insisted on coming, since Asta told her that people in Clover have multiple hair colours. You have to know that Komari has a passion for fashion, she is always eager to try new colours for her hair."

Oh, so that girl was actually from Hino, she just happen to be a fashion victim. Okay, he could get that all the multiple hair colours in Clover could be exciting, Yami himself had been a bit taken aback when he came first, as he never thought people could have more than one hair colour.

Said Komari immediately jumped up and down in front of him, starting to talk like a waterfall, "Oh, so you are an old friend of our shogun and Ichika-chan's older brother? It is so great to finally meet you! Oh, I actually envy you SO MUCH that you came to live in such an amazing country with so many different hair colours and fashion styles! Asta told me that there were people with silver or orange hair, I saw also blue and green and pink ones! Are there others, like purple or teal or yellow? And two colours at once? One of Astas friends has some, the one with the thing called glasses on his face? Is his hair naturally bicoloured or is this due to hair colouring?"

"Uh?"

This was all Yami managed to let out, unable to interrupt that waterfall of wards. Fuck, that girl was like a mix of Sleepy Hat, Vanessa and Glowing Hair, that promised to be a pain. He knew that he promised Ryu that he and his people can stay with the Black Bulls while they were busy in Clover, but wasn't there a possibility that this Komari person could have permanent sleepovers with the Coral Peacocks or the Aqua Deers?

Yami side-glanced at his sister and was actually relieved to see that she was actually annoyed at her comrade's babbling. Thank goodness this was just as a bother in Hino and not considered normal.

"I told that Komari has a passion for fashion," Ryu laughed while putting his hand on the waterfall's shoulder, making her stop, thank goodness. "This is Mushogatake Yosuga, one of my very first Ryuzen and one of my most loyal companions."

Uh? That name actually rang a bell, but Yami couldn't put his finger on it. It had been too long since he was in Hino and actually had to learn the fucking names of the most powerful families and clans.

Thankfully, this Yosuga didn't seem like to be a pain in the ass. They just shake hands with a grin. Enough was enough.

"And… I don't think I need to introduce you to Ichika, old friend."

No, he really didn't. He honestly had no idea what to say. They barely had the time to talk during the two battles and the attack plans in between. And now… after so long… what do you say to your little sister you haven't seen for over a decade, when the last time you saw each other was because of a fricking clan massacre because their jerk of an old man had decided that some dangerous drug was something to give to a scared six year old girl? And after taking the blame upon himself and fleeing the country, with the knowledge that your baby sister will certainly hate you?

Although… Ichika didn't seem to hate him, just unsure how to talk to him. And there was something in her eyes and in her Ki. Something that didn't sit well with him?

Did she find out the truth by some cruel Fate?

"Um… Welcome to Clover, Ichika."

"Thank you, Sukehiro."

Damn, that sounded so lame and awkward. But at least it was a start. Better having a lame and awkward start than unappealing silence. And thank goodness Yosuga and Komari commented nothing about that weird reunion of long lost siblings.

"You can go back in, I'll have to tell those idiots the news and for the rest… well, we'll see at the next meeting of squad captains. Should be tomorrow or the day afterwards, dunno. But Mushroom Head will ring once it's settled."

Ichika only nodded, before walking back immediately into the Hideout, followed by Yosuga and Komari.

As Ryu was about to follow their lead, Yami had to hold him back. He needed to know something.

"Does… Does Ichika know?"

"Sadly, yes. Barely two weeks ago, when some of Lucius' paladins attacked our country, she was hit with a spell that took form with her biggest fear. And we both know what her biggest fear is…"

Of course he knew, of course Ryu knew. His fricking father was still haunting nightmares despite being six foot under the earth, hopefully eaten by worms and fouling away in all non-glory he deserved.

"That… somehow made her remember what really happened that night."

"Crap… What will we do? We haven't thought that through back then."

"We were still children and our time was running short. The circumstances weren't ideal to think through, sadly. But I think that Ichika and you should have a talk, old friend. It would certainly help her heal."

Yami nodded, but groaned on the inside while Ryu entered the Hideout as well.

First there were unspoken things with Prickly Queen and now he had to settle things with his estranged and still traumatized sister. Julius had said once that if the past is getting ignored, it will come back to bite, probably also taking present issues in the process.

That was certainly true for him. Ichikas terrible trauma and his decision to protect her was his past that came back to bite him after over a decade living in Clover, while Prickly Queen and her suppose love for him was now his present issue.

It won't be an easy time for him in the next days. As if there wasn't enough bullshit already thanks to that Lucius Zogratis jerk and his paladins.

But first things first, he needed to tell his idiots that they had some guest for longer time. So, Yami finally entered his Hideout.

"Oi, brats, stop being stupid and listen well, cause I won't repeat myself!"

"How dare that Dante bastard came back to life!"

"To-to b-be fair, he ha-hadn't choose ei-either t-to come b-back t-to l-life."

"That's not the point, Grey, he should have staid dead! I also can't believe that he was about to stand up again in Spade, after I defeated him!"

"Meh, he probably wasn't in a good shape anyway, after you dealt with him. Besides, captain Jack finished him off after that."

"But Zora, I thought I had defeated him completely!"

"You have, Magna! Does it really matter one year and a half later? Captain Jack actually made sure that your victory won't leave with a bitter taste, so that you never knew that Dante tried to stand up again."

"Should I be grateful to captain Jack, Finral?"

"It might be a way to honour his memory. After all… we can't thank him directly anymore."

Finrals last sentence made everyone go silence. Nacht found it rather fascinating how shocked many of the Black Bulls were about the fact that people died during the war against Lucius. Had seriously none of them ever considered this as a possible outcome? They had argued that no one died in Spade, but given that Lucius Zogratis had something to do with that, Nacht had to made them clear that it didn't count.

The fact that none of the Black Bulls had died during this new war strangely didn't comforted them. Okay, a little bit still, but all members of this misfit squad felt even more shocked that people died because of that. And compassion. Seems that their heart was still in the right place despite that naïve shock.

They were still the same idiots, but that reality punch had a bit tone down their usual positivity and happy confidence. It was still there, thankfully. Despite how idiotic it was, Nacht didn't want them to lose it, as it made the strength of the Black Bulls, especially since Asta joined them. But at the same time, pragmatically speaking, maybe it wasn't so bad that they had an experience like that. It wasn't just new spells and training that make someone stronger, but also bad experiences that might question some confidence and that might give another perspective to consider.

Nacht knew that from experience and it never had been without pain, that was certain.

And sometimes, there was a reminder from the past that you haven't paid enough for your biggest mistakes.

Morgen…

The mere memory was enough to make his eyes filled with tears again. But Nacht refused to let them out. Not here, not in front of the other Black Bulls.

Lucius paid for having brought Morgen back to life as a puppet, but Nacht knew that he hadn't paid enough yet. It was a painful reminder. Even worse when Morgen came back to his senses at the end and apologized for something he was clearly innocent about. Even more so that afterwards, Nacht had his twin brother dying for a second time in his arms.

Hopefully Morgen would be able to finally rest in peace now and won't become a wailing ghost, haunting and never able to rest because of Lucius Zogratis.

That would be more his own Fate, no matter when he would die. Not something to look forward to, but very fitting for him still.

Nachts dark thoughts were interrupted when the heavy door of the Hideout was opened again, letting their allies from Hino reappearing. Nacht honestly hasn't gotten the time to actually sort out what he thought about them.

Except Yamis younger sister.

And there she was, the woman called Ichika, standing with her companions, proud yet still not arrogant or overconfident at all. She had already had this kind of stoic attitude when he met her for the first time, back in the Witch Forest, when they had to face the paladin of Damnatio Kira while trying to get Asta back.

He had found her very interesting back there already and this impression just increased during the two battles and the planning in between. Oh, Nacht could see how similar she was to her brother, but what were even more fascinating was the differences between them. Ichika was not as dense as Yami, not laid-back at all, more aware of her duties and didn't seem lazy at all. She took things seriously, wasn't naïve and might be even able to see both downsides and advantages of things.

Like Astas new ability to share his anti-magic. She had warned the Black Bulls that this might have drawbacks and limitations. And she had been right. Nacht actually regretted a bit that the Black Bulls, including himself, hadn't took this more into consideration. But they only fully realized once Charmy had started to feel her magic slowly disappear during the first battle against Lucius.

Hadn't they believed at first to defeat Lucius, his clones and his paladins in a row? Well, not that much, sadly. Not that confidence was bad in a fight against evil, it was actually a good thing to have, to not lose hope. But it had become overconfidence and this was NEVER a good thing in any occasion, at least in his books. When you come to ignore the potential consequences, it will eventually bite you back.

Nacht was grateful that Asta immediately stopped the sharing of anti-magic once that the realization hit. It certainly prevented the Black Bulls to lose each of their magic completely. During the second battle, Nacht had been the only one to get it for a second time, just long enough to do what he needed to do with it, so that he was still able to use his magic afterwards.

It was certainly a fascinating ability, but given how still unknown and risky it was, it had to be used carefully, with parsimony. Asta had felt very guilty and scared when Charmy started to have her magic fade away, then had been reluctant at first to share it again for the final battle against Lucius Zogratis. Nacht understood why he felt that way, but it really wasn't Astas fault. It took others a few persuasion to convince him to do his ability again for the second fight and since this time it had been only for one person with a definite amount of time, that poor boy accepted.

Nacht didn't know what Ichika told Asta to accept, but she did and for that, he also found her interesting.

He wondered though if there was some tension, unspoken things between Yami and his younger sister. Well, if they hadn't seen each other for years and after they just came out of a battle, of course they haven't time to properly talk with each other. But Nacht had the feeling that it wasn't really that, at least not completely.

Back in the Witches Forest, just after they got Damnatio Kira out of his paladin state, most of the other Black Bulls excitedly told Ichika how great her brother and how lucky she was to be his family. Ichika hadn't been flustered, but also not angry. There had been a sadness in her reaction, something that had taken him off guard for a minute. And was taking him off guard again in this very moment.

What happened between the siblings?

"Oi, brats, stop being stupid and listen well, cause I won't repeat myself!"

Oh, speaking of older brothers, there he was.

"The shogun of Hino and three of his subordinates will stay in Clover for a while, helping with the repairs and for some politic stuff. They will be our guests, so don't you dare destroy everything while they are staying with us."

Guests? They were going to stay, helping with the rebuild of the kingdom? And politics? Like an alliance? Nacht wasn't expecting that, but at the same time, it wasn't all surprising either.

But then… whatever those unspoken things were between Yami and his sister, won't that have some tension between them? And how would the Black Bulls react to that? A lot of those idiots were still putting Yami on a pedestal sometimes. Nacht really hoped that whatever will happen and if the siblings would share their issues with others, that each perspective will be considered and accepted. Not that it would end up in unnecessary drama within the squad, they already have enough to deal with.

While Nacht followed his thoughts, Yami made the presentation. The shogun – a bit like the Wizard King of Hino, if Nacht understood correctly – was called Ryudo Ryuya, the guy who looked like a vague less laidback version of Yami had a name something like Yosuga Mushogatake and the blonde girl who seemed as excited as Luck or captain Dorothy was Komari Imari.

And before Yamis sister could introduce herself properly this time, Magna already yelled, "And you are Ichika Sukehiro, the younger sister of captain Yami!"

There was a silence, during which the people from Hino seemed confused for some reason. Then, Ichika said very calmly, "No. My name is actually Yami Ichika."

Now there was confused silence from the present Black Bulls, including Nacht of course, who slightly frowned. Yami Ichika, not Ichika Sukehiro? Wait, had Hino another tradition with how they place their names? Which would mean…

Nacht turned towards his friend, but he seemed unbothered. Just a bit confused, but then immediately shrugging, as if it was no big deal.

The awkward silence was finally interrupted by Finral, who casually asked, "Um, captain Yami…"

"Wot?"

"Is Yami your first name or your second name?"

"Don't know, maybe both at this point."

Nacht was fighting the urge to roll his eyes and given the groan Finral, Noelle and Gauche were letting out, he certainly wasn't the only one. Okay, while this sounded so typical Yami, it was certainly not the moment to brush it of at this point.

For some reason, Nacht had to look at Ichika. Who stared at her brother with a really annoyed glance in her dark grey eyes.

Oh, he might like that side of her.

"Actually, in Hino, we have the use to put our family names before our first names. It is actually interesting that it is the other way around in this country," the shogun said. He, Luck and the other two from Hino seemed to be the only ones amused by the situation. Well, it certainly was, but still.

"Why haven't you told us that before, captain Yami? And not even us, to the other captains, to Marx, to the Wizard King?"

"Hey, don't blame me, it's not my fault that old man Julius, may he rest in peace, got me wrong when I told him my name!"

"But you could have correct him later on?"

"Nah, too much of a pain in the ass."

Now, Nacht was really rolling his eyes. This was really one of the lamest excuses he ever heard.

Finral, Noelle and Gauche were now protesting even more, Gordon had a sudden worry that he might have said all his friends names in the wrong order, Grey muttered something about names being embarassing, Magna seemed dumbfounded, Luck was rolling on the floor laughing, Charmy was eating, Zora had a mix of being pissed off and amused on his face, Nero was just shaking her head and Henry was kindly smiling.

The only ones who didn't react were Asta and Vanessa. Obviously, since none of those two were here. Asta was still in a coma and as for Vanessa… Well, actually it was strange that she wasn't here. And Nacht actually doubted that she was drinking herself drunk in bars right now, no bars and pubs were open now.

Charmy was now serving some food to the Hino guest and asking them their favourite meals. Or about the food in Hino, knowing her. Luck was now attacking Magna just because and it was getting typical Black Bull loud again. It was a bit reassuring that they were still able to do all of this, despite the worries for Asta, the hits from reality and all the other hardships they had to face.

But this didn't meant that Nacht had to like it. In fact, it was really getting on his nerves more than usual right now and he needed some calm.

Or some time to think.

Morgen…

Great, now the tears were coming back. And he had no intention to let all the others see the tears falling down his face. They couldn't understand. When it came to each other, the Black Bulls could be too forgiving.

And forgiveness was not only sometimes too easily forgiven, but definitely something he absolutely didn't deserved.

So, without any other words, Nacht left the common room, went outside and walked towards Charmys vegetable garden. One of the rare always quiet and peaceful places at the Hideout, including inside.

Still, Nacht refused to cry. He did that last night and he hadn't felt better afterwards. Whoever said that crying could feel liberating was either an idiot with an easy life or who never got outside and lived a tragedy.

So he stand there, in the late afternoon, letting his tears flow in order so that his head and his heart would not explode. The only moment he could allow himself to be vulnerable and feeling a bit sorry for himself. Only a bit, because the pain he was living? Deserved through and through.

Just because he wasn't lonely anymore didn't meant that all was forgotten. Nothing was ever forgotten.

I'm so sorry, brother… I didn't meant to fight you, I never meant all those horrible things I said. I'm so sorry that you're not at peace right now. I hope that you'll be able to heal, to move on, to be happy. I love you, Nacht.

"I love you too, Morgen. But I don't deserve to be happy. I never deserved it after you died because of me. If I had been more careful, if I hadn't been such scumbag in my young years, maybe you wouldn't have died and Lucius wouldn't have made a paladin out of you. You were always too forgiving. Please let me pay for my crimes."

And other tears flow down his face.

Nacht didn't know how long he just stood there, in Charmys vegetable garden and allowing his tears to come out, in a rare moment of vulnerability. It must have been quite some time, because it was the beginning of sunset. And it was the moment Vanessa apparently decided to come home. Where was she all day?

She didn't saw him, but Nacht noticed that her hair was a bit wild and she had a blushing face, with some strange glowing in her eyes. Whatever she did, it certainly must have been wild. And probably stupid, knowing Vanessa.

The witch disappeared and Nacht went back to let his last tears flow down.

What he didn't noticed was Yamis sister coming around the corner, observing him with a glance that couldn't have more compassion in it.